There has been no increase in the past two days on the number of residents and staff of the Amberwood Suites retirement Home in Sudbury that were tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
"Public Health Sudbury & Districts can confirm that there are still currently 35 cases of COVID-19 associated with the Amberwood Suites retirement home outbreak. Please note, the number of cases included in this statement is accurate as of today, Jan. 14. We can also confirm that 32 residents and three staff cases have been reported to-date at the facility," said an updated statement from PHSD on Thursday.
PHSD said 22 of those 35 cases are self-isolating at the home itself. Amberwood Suites is located at 1385 Regent Street South. The outbreak among residents and staff members was first reported on Monday. Initially, there were 22 cases reported, and then the number expanded to 35 on Tuesday.
As the facility took steps to control the infection, several residents were transferred to hospital. Health Sciences North (HSN) spokesperson Jason Turnbull said today there are 11 COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital, with the notation that no COVID-19 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There are two patients admitted to the ICU awaiting results. It’s not known how many residents of Amberwood Suites are in hospital as privacy rules prevent the release of that information.
"Public Health Sudbury & Districts is working very closely with the facility leadership and staff, as well as health sector partners, to ensure proper outbreak control measures are in place, in accordance with best practices and provincial guidance," said the statement from PHSD.
Sudbury.com asked PHSD if any plans were in place for a vaccine program at Amberwood or other retirement homes in Sudbury. It was reported by PHSD on Wednesday that vaccines were being administered at the Wikwemikong Nursing Home, which is part of the PHSD service area. The home on the island is part of the first wave of vaccine distribution, which is prioritizing long-term care residents and other vulnerable populations, including remote First Nations. Wikwemikong Nursing Home is located on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.
"Public Health Sudbury & Districts has the overall responsibility for the unprecedented COVID-19 vaccination program. The Province of Ontario is leading the overall COVID-19 immunization strategy for Ontario and has identified who will get the vaccine first. Public Health is working closely with partners to identify priority groups to receive early vaccination as part of Phase 1 of Ontario’s Vaccine Distribution Implementation Plan which includes residents, essential caregivers, and staff of congregate care settings for seniors; health care workers; adults in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations; and adult recipients of chronic home health care."
